November/December 2011

Transcription

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November/December 2011
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HOLIDAY
HEART & HOME
plus
VETERAn’s DAY
Live History for a Day
CHRIsTMAs QuAInT
Small Towns,
Big Hearts
HAVE A BALL
Junior League
30th Celebration
HEED THE CALL
Willing Hands
& Loving Hearts
Ge
Local Authors
Open New Worlds
t
Se You
eT rC
he hr
En istm
clo a
se s C
d G as
ift h!
Gu
ide
GOOD READs
November/December 2011 INSITE
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INSITE November/December 2011
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PublIShEr’SDesk
CHRISTMAS IS COMING as every
jingle and tingle reminds you, and who couldn’t use a
little extra cash to get the house ready for company or
to fill those empty stockings by the fireplace? We’ve
got you covered.
The holiday GIFT GUIDE inside this
month’s issue is chock full of the niche gift items that
will make your giving stand out this season.
someone snitched your copy of The Gift Guide
before you got to it? No worries. Find the complete Gift
Guide online at www.insitebrazosvalley.com. Be sure
to pay attention to the bright green 365DealsForU.com
logos on some of the ads in The Gift Guide. Click on
Christmas Cash Deals of the Day at 365DealsForU.
com November 7-11 and get TWICE AS
MUCH CHRISTMAS CASH to
spend for your holiday shopping budget. Go again the
week of December 5-9 and buy a gift
card to participating merchants
for DOUBLE the Deal
value. everyone’s a hero
when you give a $20 Gift
Card to spend at one of
the participating Gift Guide
merchants that only cost you
$10.
Who doesn’t love a Deal? Jingle tingle! –
Angelique Gammon
Best Ever 5 Minute Hot Chocolate
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Vanilla vodka or hazelnut
liqueur, optional
Over medium heat, mix
chocolate chips, half-andhalf and cinnamon. stir frequently with wooden spoon
to melt chocolate, about 5 minutes. Do NOT boil. Pour
into mug and add a shot of vanilla vodka or hazelnut
liqueur if desired. Top with whipped cream.
Get in Touch
Sign Up! Wednesday’s Wake up to
the Weekend Possibilities e-newsletter
www.insitebrazosvalley.com
Angelique Gammon, Publisher
[email protected]
insite Magazine
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CoNTENTS
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FuNsPOTs
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Keep It Quaint This Holiday Season
by Megan Jarvie
SErVEOTHeRs
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Museum of the American GI
Veterans Day celebration brings history to life
by Megan Jarvie
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holIDAYHOMe
Update, Decorate, Celebrate
Your holiday home resources
Special Advertising Section
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GETINVOLVeD
Heed the Call
Helping hands & willing hearts needed
by Margaret Ann Thurmond
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CoMMuNITYOUTReACH
Celebrating Service
Junior League marks 30 years of giving back
27
DoGOOD
A Kitchen With a Calling
Brenham restaurant serves
a hearty meal of hope
28
ArTSsPOTLIGHT
Visit Another World
Local authors open doors to new worlds
by Megan Roiz
Departments
PublIShEr’SDesk Christmas Cash
page 4
WhAT’SHAPPeNING Brazos Valley events
page 11
buSINESSBRIeFs Notable business news
page 30
EATS
& TReATs Food & fun guide
INSITE Magazine is
published monthly by Insite
Printing & Graphic Services,
123 E. Wm. J. Bryan Pkwy.,
Bryan, Texas 77803. (979) 8235567 www.insitebrazosvalley.
com Volume 28, Number 7.
Publisher/Editor: Angelique
Gammon; Account Executive:
Myron King; Graphic
designer: Karen Green.
Editorial interns: Megan
Jarvie, Travis Lawson,
Margaret Ann Thurmond;
inSiTE Magazine is a division
of The insite Group, LP.
Reproduction of any part
without written permission
of the publisher is prohibited.
insite Printing & Graphic
Services Managing Partners:
Kyle DeWitt, Angelique
Gammon, Greg Gammon.
General Manager: Carl Dixon;
Pre-Press Manager: Mari
Brown; office Manager:
Wendy Seward; Sales &
Customer Service: Molly
Barton; Candi Burling; Manda
Jackson; Marie Lindley; Kim
Quinney; Barbara Wyss;
Production: Stephen Beatty;
Norris Carnes; Marilyn Carey;
Don Coburn; Jaimie Colwell;
Ricky Conchola; Byron Lee;
Margie Lowry; Doug Madison;
Arthur Maldonado; Brandon
Prouse; Frank Ramirez; Mike
Seward; Ruben Torres; Jimmy
Welch; Stephen Woodruff.
page 31
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FuNsPOTs by Megan Jarvie
Bellville
Bellville prides itself on their small-town feel
where everyone is welcome, and the way they
celebrate Christmas is no different. Bellville
is located 61.58 miles south of Bryan/College
Station off of TX 159.
Small Town Christmas Celebration
http://www.bellville.com
(979) 865-3407
Bellville is hosting the 29th annual Small Town
Christmas Celebration December 2-3 in the
Historic Square
in
downtown
Bellville. Friday
night includes
local band The
Usual Suspects
playing
Texas
folk music and
a parade that
starts at 6 p.m.
The antique and
gift shops, along
with restaurants,
will be open late
and the night
BELLVILLE
will be filled with
Christmas cheer.
Saturday
morning,
have
breakfast
with
Santa from 8
a.m. to 10 a.m. at
Newman’s Café, and then head over to decorate
gingerbread houses at Bellville Café from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. The Children’s Wonderland offers
pony rides for $1 at the petting zoo. On Saturday
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evening, local radio personality Troy Arndt will
DJ along with performances by the Bellville
Choir and the Bellville junior high and the high
school bands. Scrooge will be around town that
weekend too and handing out gold coins to
the children. Most activities are free except for
Breakfast with Santa and the low prices for the
pony rides and petting zoo.
Bryan/College Station
The town that is alive with Christmas spirit, and
there are many festive and fun ways to celebrate
the season.
Santa’s Wonderland,
College Station
http://www.santas-wonderland.
com/main.htm
(979) 690-7212
From November 18 through December 30, visit Santa’s Wonderland
south of College Station on Hwy. 6.
In addition to dazzling displays of
lights, enjoy Santa’s Village chocked
full of food and entertainment. Admission prices vary by attraction
package.
Holiday Magic, Bryan
http://www.bryantx.
gov/departments/
?name=holiday_magic
(979) 209-5528
On Thursday, December 1, there will be free
shuttles from Blinn College shuttling people
over to Sue Haswell Park for Holiday Magic.
From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be fun
activities for kids including an arctic snow hill
and Frosty’s Funland where they can color and
write letters to Santa. Santa will also be there
to take pictures with the kids and hear their
Christmas wish lists. All activities are free.
Lights On!, Bryan
http://bryantx.gov/
departments/?name=lights_on
(979) 209-5528
FREE
Friday, November 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30
p.m. you can go to the Lights On! celebration on
Mainstreet in Downtown Bryan and enjoy hot
apple cider and cookies as the town is magically
lit up to kick-off the holiday season.
Christmas at the Creek
http://cstx.gov/index.aspx?page=639
(979) 764-3486
What has historically been held at Central Park
for the last 27 years and called Christmas in the
Park has been moved to Wolf Pen Creek and is
now called Christmas at the Creek. This annual
holiday tradition for the Brazos Valley has
outgrown Central Park and needs the spacious
lawns of Wolf Pen Creek to host this month-long
event full of celebration and cheer.
The main nights are December 2-3 and
December 9-10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., however
you can go mid-week if you have pre-scheduled
a visit with Santa. New this year is the Gifts with
Presence program, the opportunity to buy gifts
that benefit a local non-profit. As always, the
entertainment, hayrides, cookies, hot chocolate,
and visits with Santa are free. There is a charge to
purchase photos with Santa. Unlimited parking
is available across the street at Post Oak Mall.
Caldwell
Located 27 miles west of Bryan on TX-21W,
Caldwell knows how to kick-off the Christmas
season.
Old Fashioned Christmas
on the Square
http://www.caldwellchamber.org/
(208) 459-7493
From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December
2, and continuing Saturday beginning at 11
a.m., join locals and
visitors around the CALDWELL
Courthouse Square
for an old-fashioned
Christmas celebration. Friday begins
with a kick-off lighting ceremony in the
square with a countdown by the children
and a city official.
There will be perfor-
mances by several local dance groups, including
the Caldwell High School Honeybees and Kice’s
Dance Group. The
evening will wrap
up with a visit
from Rudolph and
Santa.
On Saturday,
there is a Christmas pet show beginning at 11 a.m.
and Cody Hodges
and the Lineman
perform after as
part of a songwriter’s
concert
to showcase local
songwriting talent
in the area. All activities are free.
Navasota
Located 26 miles
south of College
Station on Hwy. 6,
Navasota is a small
town with many
pristine historic buildings and a picturesque
town square.
Inaugural Holiday Celebration
www.navasotatx.gov
(936) 825-6475
Round Top
Round Top is located 54.7 miles west of Bryan/
College Station off TX-237S.
CALDWELL
The Nutcracker at
Festival Hill
http://festivalhill.org/
events/augapr-2/
(979) 249-3129
Dance into the Christmas
season at a performance of
one of the most cherished
Christmas
traditions
of
all time. The ballet will be
performed by children and will
be on the stage of the Festival
Concert Hall December 3 at 4
p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults
and $10 for students.
Houston Holiday
Hoe-Down
events/augapr-2/
(979) 249-3129
The Bayou City Performing
Arts Choruses will be singing
on Saturday, December 10, at 3
p.m. for the eighth consecutive year performing
at the Institute’s annual holiday show. Traditional
carols will be followed by a performance by the
Institute’s founder, James Dick. Tickets are $20
for adults and $10 for students
New Year’s Eve Gala
On December 10
at 6:30 p.m., come
events/augapr-2/
out and enjoy the
(979) 249-3129
first lighted holiday
parade
hosted
Bring in 2012 with a bang by
by the Navasota
making reservations to enjoy
Chamber
of
the New Year’s Eve Gala at the
Commerce starting
Menke House on December
NAVASOTA
outside the new
31. Reservations begin at
7:30 p.m. with appetizers and
municipal building
drinks
followed
by
a buffet dinner. Popular local
and continuing through historic downtown
band,
The
Black
Cat
Choir, will perform and
Navasota. A holiday
provide entertainment into the final moments
open house will
of 2011. At midnight, Auld Lang Syne, sparklers
follow at the new
and champagne will ring in 2012 with a loud
municipal building.
celebration. Coffee and desserts will close out
Bring the kids,
the cheerful evening. Tickets are $120 per person
because Santa will
for an all-inclusive evening.
be there to take
pictures and there
Washington County
will be hot chocolate
for everyone. All
Located 45 miles southwest of College Station,
activities are free.
Washington County includes the town of
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Brenham, home to Blue Bell Creameries. Across
the county, there are several Christmas festivities
that beckon.
Holiday Home Tours at
the Giddings Stone Mansion
http://www.giddingsstonemansion.
com/index.htm#
(979) 836-1690
The 7th annual Holiday Home Tours at the Giddings Stone Mansion in Brenham bring an old
timey feel to the Christmas season. On November 19-20 from 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m, the Heritage
Belles dressed in period costume will be
hosting tours of the
1870 Greek Revival
Giddings Stone Mansion and 1843 Giddings Wilkin House
Museum. The homes
Downtown Tinsletown
Lighted Parade & Stroll
http://www.DowntownBrenham.com/
(979) 337-7384
On December 2, there will be plenty
of hot cider, live entertainment and
Christmas cheer for everyone in
Downtown Brenham. Don’t miss
touring the display of gingerbread
homes. You can bid on them at the
end of the evening with proceeds
benefitting
Habitat
for
Humanity. All
activities are
free.
Bethlehem in Independence
www.independenceTX.com
(979) 251-9227
December 18-19, Bethlehem in Independence
brings the nativity to life
with six area churches
participating in the
production. There will be
cookies and hot chocolate
for everyone plus hayrides
that follow the route of
the participating churches
demonstrating
“the
reason for the season” for
all to enjoy. i
will also be decorated
for Christmas. In addition to the tours, there
will be trunk shows from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring 30 dealers with items
that range from home
and hearth to jewelry
and clothing. Tickets are
$15 per person; tours are
a fundraiser for the Heritage Society of Washington County.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
http://www.brenhamtexas.com/
(979) 830-8358
From November 30 through December 4
at Unity Theatre in Brenham, enjoy this
hilarious play that is fun for both children
and adults. Tickets are $15 for adults and
$10 for students.
BRENHAM
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WhAT’SHAPPeNING
6,000 other Texans as a highly
trained volunteer of the Texas
AgriLife Extension Service.
Call (979) 823-1029 or visit
www.brazosmg.org for
applications and more
information.
november 19-20
from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m., Ellison’s
Greenhouse in
Brenham presents a
spectacularly beautiful display
of poinsettias in all different
colors, shapes, and sizes to get
you into the Christmas spirit.
For more information, call
1-(888) BReNHAM or visit www.
ellisonsgreenhouses.com.
november 6 at 2:30 p.m.,
downtown Bryan will play
host to the 9th annual Veteran’s
Day parade presented by the
Bryan Rotary Club. The parade
will begin in North Bryan and
finish at the Lasalle Hotel. There
is no charge to participate in
the parade and schools and
organizations in the local area
are encouraged to do so. For
more information, call (979)
693-1336.
november 19-20 from 1
p.m. to 4 p.m., come shop for
Christmas decorations and gifts
at the Holiday Home Tours,
Trunk Show & Antique
Sale. The sale is located at
Giddings Stone Mansion and
admission is $15 per person.
For more information, call
(979) 836-1690 or visit www.
giddingsstonemansion.com.
Through december 1, apply
to become a Texas Master
Gardener by submitting an
application for the 2012 class,
an opportunity to receive more
than 50 hours of training and join
every Tuesday in november
and december from 5 p.m.
to 7p.m., Messina Hof
Winery & Resort is hosting
Aggie Night at The Wine
Bar for Aggies to get together
and sample wine. For more
information on this event and
others, call (979) 778-9463 or
visit www.missinahof.com.
november 3 from 3 p.m. to
5p.m., the Friends of the
Symphony orchestra will
present an afternoon tea and
fashion show at the Miramont
Country Club. “Dressed to a Tea”
tickets are $50 per person with
all proceeds benefiting the Brazos
Valley symphony’s children
education programs. For more
information, call (979) 846-8172.
Taste of B/CS is now offering
web certificates sold at as low
as a 40 percent discount for
locally owned restaurants who
participate in Taste of B/Cs.
Online web certificates allow for
a no-wait print-out immediately
after purchase. Certificates
are available on a first-come
first-serve basis. To purchase a
web certificate now, visit www.
tasteofbcs.com.
november 4-6, attend Festival
Hill institute’s 14th Annual
Theatre Forum’s three-day
event celebrating the American
Musical Theatre from 1860 to
1960. The audience will get
a chance to experience every
aspect of the musical theatre
tradition with songs, spoken
dialogue and dance. A schedule
and more information is available
online at www.festivalhill.org or
by calling (979) 249-3129.
november 5 at 7 p.m.,
the Margaret W. Rudder
Performing Art Center at
Rudder High school will host
an annual Contemporary Dance
Festival presented by the Brazos
Dance Collective. For anyone
who loves dance, this is sure
to be a must-attend event. For
more information, visit www.
brazosdance.org.
november 5, the Alzheimer’s
Association Brazos Valley
Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2011
will take place at the Wolf Pen
Creek Amphitheatre in College
station. Nearly 600 people are
expected to participate in the 3k
walk and fun run to help raise
money and honor those affected
by Alzheimer’s disease. For more
information, visit www.alztex.
org/walk or call (800) 272-3900.
november 6 from 5 p.m. to
8 p.m., the Brazos Valley
Chorale will kick off their 42nd
season with a performance of
“elijah” directed by Jess Wade.
The show also will include the
Texas A&M University Century
singers and the Brazos Valley
symphony Orchestra. For tickets
or more information, visit www.
bvchorale.org/season or call (979)
776-1776.
november 10 and december
8 at 6:30 p.m., Messina Hof
Winery & Resort will host the
Cooking Party with the Vintage
House Chef. On November 10,
their chef will give you pointers
about how to cook the best
Thanksgiving dinner ever; on
December 8, you can learn from
the Chef about mushrooms,
baking and desserts. For more
others, call (979) 778-9463 or
visit www.messinahof.com.
november 10-20 in downtown
Brenham, unity Theatre
presents a performance of “The
Turn of the screw.” The story
centers on a young governess
who is haunted by tales of her
dead predecessor. Performances
are Thursday at 7:30 p.m.,
Friday and saturday at 8 p.m.,
and sunday at 4 p.m. For more
information, call (979) 830-8358
or visit www.unitybrenham.org.
Messina Hof Winery & Resort
will present the Bonarrigo family
and their Wine Premier Dinner.
enjoy a six-course menu and
taste some of Messina Hof’s
best wines while joining the
Winemakers for dinner. On
November 12, a Wine Premier
Brunch with their Vintage Chef
will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. For more information, call
(979) 778-9463 or visit www.
messinahof.com.
november 11 and
november18 at 5:30 p.m., the
Hospice Auxiliary of Brazos
Valley will sponsor two trips
to visit two Holiday Markets:
the Houston Ballet Nutcracker
Market in Houston and the Austin
Junior League’s “A Christmas
Affair” Market in Austin. Cost
is $65 per trip. Reservation
deadlines are November 5 for
the Houston trip and November
12 for the Austin trip. For more
information, call Helen Chuck at
(979) 693-2241.
november 12 at 3 p.m., the
Singing Cadets of Texas A&M
university will be giving a
performance in honor of Veteran’s
Day at the Festival Concert Hall
in Round Top. The University’s
premier men’s chorus will also
perform a special tribute to David
Guion, composer of “Home on
the Range.” Tickets are $20 for
adults and $10 for students. For
more information, visit www.
festivalhill.org or call (979)
249-3129.
11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., listen to
live music and enjoy Messina
Hof Winery & Resort’s
award-winning wines at TGIWine
sunday at the Wine Bar. For more
others, call (979) 778-9463.
tailgate Messina Hof style
before the infamous Texas-Texas
A&M football game. eat dinner
and drink wine with friends and
family as you watch the Aggies
battle the Longhorns on the
gridiron. For more information on
this event and others, call (979)
778-9463.
compiled by Travis Lawson
11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., any
young driver with a valid license
can participate in an educational
experience about how to control
their car when things go wrong
on the road. Half of the course is
conducted in a classroom with
the remainder of the course
being taught in the car. The Teen
Survival driving Academy
will take place at Texas World
speedway; cost is $195 to
register for the class. For more
information or to register, visit
www.teensurvivaldriving .org or
call (979) 690-2500.
november 24 from 11 a.m. to
7 p.m., join Messina Hof for
Thanksgiving dinner and holiday
wine. For more information on
this event and others, call (979)
778-9463.
november 26 from 4:30 p.m. to
7:30 p.m., take a journey back
in time with Twilight Firelight
at the Fanthorp. enjoy music,
poetry, living history characters,
stories and fun. Activities start
at the Grimes County courthouse
in Anderson and conclude at
the Fanthorp Inn. For more
information, call (936) 878-2214
or visit www.birthplaceoftexas.
com.
Beginning december 1 and
continuing throughout the
month, learn about Christmas
celebrations in all cultures
including German, english,
African-American and Hispanic
cultures at the Showers-Brown
discovery Center at the
star of the Republic Museum
at Washington-on-the-Brazos
state Historic site. For more
december 1 is the reservation
deadline for the december 4
“Holmes for the Holidays”
Home Tour sponsored by saint
Michael’s episcopal school.
Take this opportunity to explore
gorgeous historic homes from
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and take
advantage of the refreshments
and transportation provided
as part of the package. Tickets
are $50 per person or $75 for a
couple with only 60 reservations
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available for the tour. Call (979) 822-2715 for reservations
before December 1.
december 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown
Brenham, enjoy a parade to welcome in the Christmas
season with hot tea and cider, entertainment, lighted
streets and holiday shopping. Admission and parking are
free. For more information, call 1-(888) BReNHAM or visit
www.downtownbrenham.com.
december 2 at 6:30, come be a part of the Christmas
Murder Mystery dinner presented by Messina Hof.
Try to figure out why santa Clause has gone from giving
presents to taking them. eat dinner and drink wine
while you try to solve this Christmas mystery. For more
information on this event and others, call (979) 778-9463.
december 3 at 4 p.m. in Round Top, the Festivalinstitute will present the Tchaikovsky’s nutcracker
Ballet at the Festival Hill Concert Hall. Children of all
ages are welcome. For tickets and more information, call
(979) 249-3129 or visit www.festivalhill.org.
December 8 at 5:30 p.m., the ABWA Women of excellence
will host the annual Holiday Party. Come celebrate the
holidays with food, drinks, and fun and help support the
ABWA Women of excellence. RsVP’s are required by 12
noon on the Monday before the party at hospitality@
abwawe.org. For more information, visit www.abwawe.
org.
december 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Chappell Hill will
host a holiday home tour and teddy bear parade that will
allow participants to tour country homes, churches and
historical sites. Maps and tickets can be purchased the day
of the event for $15. The parade begins on Main street
at the Visitor’s Center at 3 p.m. For more information, call
(979) 836-6033.
december 10 in Round Top, the Festival Hill Concert
Hall will play host to the “Holiday Hoe-Down” featuring
popular Christmas tunes by the Bayou City Chorale.
Located off Highway 237 at 237 Jaster Rd, call (979) 2493129 or visit www.festivalhill.org for more information.
december 10 from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Winedale
will take its town back in history with “Christmas
in Winedale” at the Winedale Historical Complex.
Activities such as blacksmithing, quilt-making, weaving,
spinning and more will be on display. Admission is free for
everyone. For more information, visit www.cah.utexas.edu.
december 18-19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., independence
will host its own Christmas experience complete with
caroling, hot chocolate and cookies. six different churches
will have live nativity scenes. Admission is free and the
event will take place at the Independence Town square.
For more information on “Bethlehem in Independence,”
contact Audrey at [email protected].
december 31, enjoy a secret agent themed new Years
Eve celebration presented by Messina Hof. James Bond
007 will be the theme of this year’s party so drink a class
of wine and welcome in the New Year spy-style. special
drinks and food will be offered in celebration of 2012.
For more information on this event and others, call (979)
778-9463.
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SErVEOTHeRs by Megan Jarvie
Museum of the American G.I.
A Living History Experience
There
is the old saying that a picture
is worth a thousand words, but
according to retired veteran Frank Kocman, Jr.,
sometimes a subject is worth 10,000 words, and
that is part of the mission of The Museum of
the American G.I. Opened in 2001 by Brent and
Leisha Mullins and Emmett Fox to preserve the
legacy of those who fought in war, the museum
is designed to be a living history tool for younger
generations. Believing that schools are not presenting history in a way that is fascinating and
draws children in, and wanting to create a local
connection to wars that seem distant, the founders established the museum at 1303 Cherokee
Street in College Station as a place for veterans to
share personal history and create a living, local
connection to history. The
museum serves as a reposi
repository of equipment, uniforms
and memories of American
Servicemen.
In addition to putting
a local face on the history
of war, the Museum of the
American G.I. has created
a network for area veterans.
Open Monday through Fri
Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
the museum is important
to veterans in part because
signifiit preserves articles signifi
cant to military history. The
museum also connects the personal experience
of local veterans with the many events written
about in history books.
The museum’s collection includes armored
vehicles, artillery and 20th century weapons of
war, uniforms and artifacts. It is also home to
one of the nation’s most complete libraries of
technical and training manuals for military vehicles and weapons.
The Brazos Valley is one of the top regions
in the nation for veterans because of Texas A&M
University and the Corps of Cadets military history. Many veterans returned to civilian life after
experiencing combat and witnessing brutality that few people can relate to without having
served in World War II or Vietnam. Many veterans came back from the war and kept their experiences to themselves feeling as if they could not
relate to those who hadn’t served. Because of the
Museum of the American G.I., those veterans
have both a place to connect to others who know
the experience of service and war and also to
share those experiences so the next generations
can learn from what has gone before. i
Veterans day Celebration Will Bring History to Life
The Museum of the American G.I. will be hosting a Veterans Day Celebration, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission
and parking is free, though donations to support the museum are welcome.
“The Museum of the American G.I. wants to make history intriguing to people of all ages,” says retired veteran Frank
Kocman, Jr. “This celebration is meant to make all people excited and interested in history. There will be historic artifacts that
have been restored to their original state and we will be doing live re-enactments of actual battles from World War II.
“The celebration will be very family oriented in order to cultivate a spirit of interest and learning within the hearts of
youngsters and to encourage older veterans to talk about their experience. The day will be free and all are welcome to attend.
Hotdogs, hamburgers, and drinks will be available, and the Brazos Valley Bombers are setting up their UPA kids park for the
children to play on. There will also be several veteran authors there such as Daniel Flores and Bill Buchanan to talk with about
their books and their personal experiences.”
The event will be held at 19124 Highway 6 South, just past Santa’s Wonderland in College Station. Country music artist
and Gulf War veteran Jeffrey Charles will perform from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.magicstx.org or
call (979) 739-4037.
The Museum of the American G.I. is a non-profit organization and accepts donations in support of its mission.
15
H O L I D AY H O M E
There’s no place like
home for the holidays…
enjoy yours to the
fullest with help
from local experts!
Pooltex American
For almost 30 years, Pooltex has been the Brazos Valley’s
swimming pool experts. They can help you with everything
from design and construction to financing and maintenance,
saving you countless hours so that your pool does not become
your biggest problem.
But did you know Pooltex has wonderful indoor and
outdoor home decorations? Paula updates the decorations
to meet the seasons and she has the newest Christmas and
holiday looks so that your home looks its best whether you
have a pool or not! Stop in for wonderful gift ideas, too.
16
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Visit Pooltex at 319 South Austin
be here for generations to come. Call
Street in downtown Brenham or call
us today at (979) 822-5524, www.
(979) 836-2570 or visit www.pooltex.
binfordinsectcontrol.com
net
Binford Insect Control
For over 63 years, Binford Insect
Control, Inc. has been a leader in the
local pest control industry. Their goal at
Binford is to provide the highest quality
pest control service at an affordable
price. This no-nonsense approach to
pest control is put to the test every
day since each home has its own
unique set of problems, whether it is
Dealers Lighting
Offering the best in residential
lighting, fans and accessories for over
50 years, Dealers Lighting is definitely
the area’s premier lighting showroom.
Satisfied customers are a top priority
and the staff is trained to find solutions
for all of your lighting needs. Dealers
Lighting maintains a large invtory from
today’s finest manufacturers and they
Buck Fergeson Originals
Texas style furnishings by Dovetail
& Uttermost artistically displayed in the
windows, draw you in.
Add artwork
by Kenneth Wyatt, Cowboy Living
dinnerware & accessories by Ironwood
Gourmet & your home will be the talk
at the next rodeo or neighborhood get
together.
Cowgirl
up
from
head-to-toe
with beautiful silver jewelry, Ivy Jane
dresses, leopard & leather coats &
Corral or Old Gringo boots in the Cowgirl
Corner. Don’t forget duds for the little
buckaroos & cowgirls!!
insects, rodents or termites. That’s
are able to transition from the customer
where the expertise of Binford comes
on a tight budget to the customer
in since they use the latest technology
seeking a custom built item with ease!
Zwernemann Flooring is a locally
and trained technicians to handle your
Dealers Lighting is an employee owned
owned full-service flooring company
pest control needs. We have been
company who believes in the power of
offering a vast variety of tile, wood,
serving the pest control needs of the
community and encourages ou to shop
carpet, laminate, vinyl, and commercial
Brazos Valley for generations and will
locally FIRST. (979) 775-1697
flooring
Zwernemann Flooring
products.
The
staff
can
17
help design a look reflective of your personality and style.
Whether you are a builder, contractor, or homeowner, let the
professionals at Zwernemannn Flooring help you complete
your project with elegance and affordability. 2702-A Wildflower
Dr. Bryan, Tx (979)776-2800, [email protected]
Girl Friday
Out of time? When wondering how to arrange that party
or reception or get all your errands accomplished there is now
a duo of experts to save you both time and the last minute
rush. Girl Friday, lead by Sherry Adams and Martha Huebner,
is the answer - leave the running around and stress to them.
Together, they have over thirty years of planning and event
know-how.
Girl Friday’s goal is to assist their clients in gaining back
time to spend on more important things – like time with
family. As well as running errands, Sherry and Martha have
planned and coordinated events from small, casual gatherings
to formal and fundraising events with over 400 guests. Their
experience is geared to make your event a success.
Let Girl Friday do the running around and planning and help
18
take the daily stress out of your life.
Christopher Designs
Take advantage of design expertise
that spans decades in the Brazos Valley.
A fixture of local design since 1981,
Christopher Designs provides interior
design solutions for all your room
planning, re-arrangement, downsizing,
and new construction needs. Transform
your home office or commercial space
with the help of Owner/Designer Chris
Spang. She’ll coordinate your furnishings
with your own personal style to make
your indoor or outdoor space a true
reflection of you and your family. (979)
218-0027, [email protected]
JD Designs
Julie Diane Harris is loved by her
clients because of her ability to listen
to their dreams and wishes and then
create an environment that fulfils those
dreams.
Her knowledge and experience,
including
building,
restoring
and
decorating many houses in her career,
gives her both the “nuts and bolts”
detail orientated perspective, as well
as the abilities to envision the finished
product. Her clients brag about how her
foresight and vision have saved them
from design mistakes.
Julie’s excellent taste and appreciation for quality is key to delivering beautiful environments for her clients. Give
Julie a call today, before you start your
next dream home project! (713) 5015384, [email protected]
s
n
g
i
s
e
D
r
e
h
p
o
t
s
i
r
h
C
rior
Inte
ns
lutio
o
S
ign
Des
Chris Spang
(979) 218-0027
[email protected]
19
20
GETINVOLVeD by Margaret Ann Thurmond
Heed The Call
Helping Hands
& Willing Hearts
Needed this
Holiday Season
I
n a time when unemployment remains high,
fires ravage homes and hurricanes flood
neighborhoods, many people will be left in a
cold, dark place this the holiday season. According to Feeding America, at least 23.6 percent of all children are at risk of food insecurity
in the Brazos Valley alone, or 1 in 6 on a household level.
Whether you serve food to a hungry community neighbor or hand a gift to a small child,
many in the community are working together
to ensure every person does not go without
over the holidays.
The following are a few organizations with
a need for helping hands this holiday season.
21
22
Still Creek Ranch
Blue Christmas
Still Creek Ranch is a small haven for children from
broken homes. Still Creek houses 33 children in three
separate cottages and their beds are always full. The
organization is completely run by donations and every little bit helps. The house parents have 70 children
at their school to feed every day; their commuting
children often come from low-income backgrounds.
Still Creek accepts any and all help around the holiday
season.
“Most kids with families go home to a hungry
table,” Director Margaret O’Quinn says when explaining their needs over Christmas. They look for smaller
food baskets to send home with the children. Oftentimes the children will make the food they’ve received
at home, so Still Creek asks for non-perishables such
as canned-goods or instant potatoes. O’Quinn stresses the need for jackets, blankets, and comforters for
the oncoming winter. Organizations or individuals
can sponsor a child for $25, $50 or $100 dollars.
Anyone who would like to sponsor a child can
make donations at www.stillcreekranch.org through
a Pay Pal account. Checks may be mailed payable to
Still Creek Ranch. All donations also may be dropped
off on-site or picked up by Still Creek’s staff.
Christmas for some children this year may be delivered by a man in a blue suit, who happens to be a
member of the Bryan Police Officers Association. Officers encounter low-income families and see poverty
first-hand while on duty. Blue Christmas provides
gifts for children and families nominated by the Bryan
Police Officers. They ask for new or gently used toys to
provide for children of all ages.
“A week or two before Christmas we try to bring
them gifts to make it more special,” Officer John
Agnew says when asked about the delivery process.
Bins will be located in the lobby of the Bryan Police
Department for everyone who wants to contribute.
They will have booths set up for donations during the
First Friday celebration in downtown Bryan as well as
Holiday in the Park.
The tentative date for Blue Christmas delivery is
December 10, and gifts will be accepted until December 3. Anyone who would like to donate money for
gifts can drop off cash or checks to the Bryan Police
Department. Checks are made payable to the Bryan
Police Officers Association.
Scotty’s House
Scotty’s House provides a child with a voice during a
time of need. Any child who comes forward claiming
physical or sexual abuse is referred to Scotty’s House
through Child Protective Services and given support
and medical care. The organization provides medical
tests, free counseling, and works with law enforcement to meet the needs of the family.
Scotty’s House is always looking for volunteers
and those who want to donate gifts over the holiday season. Serving children in a seven-county
region, there is a large need for donations, but
any surplus is shared with CPS to ensure all
contributions are used.
Scotty’s House is located at 2424 Kent
Street in Bryan. Any donations or gifts may be
dropped off 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Gifts must be unwrapped and dropped
off at least a few days before Christmas.
The Salvation Army
As you walk around the mall or stop by the
bank around the holidays, you may see a
medium-sized Christmas tree in the corner.
The tree holds something far more valuable than ornaments – a child’s name with
a list of wants and needs. The program
provides gifts for children, from newborns
to 14-year-olds. According to Lt. Monica
Contreras of the Salvation Army, last year
the Angel Trees served 2,200 children and
those numbers may rise this year.
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program is
only one of the opportunities for someone to get
involved in. The Kettle program is Salvation Army’s
largest fundraiser and involves ringing the bell outside
of various locations. The Salvation Army is always
looking for volunteers to donate their time.
Applications for volunteers are taken 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. Monday through Friday at 2506 Cavitt Ave. The
Angel Trees will be placed around the community on
November 18 with the main tree inside Post Oak Mall.
The last day to donate gifts is December 15.
Brazos Valley Food Bank
“A well balanced lunch can be a feast for someone
else,” Executive Director Theresa Mangapora explains
when describing the needs of families who go hungry.
Last year the Brazos Valley Food Bank provided services for more than 44,000 individuals, 43 percent of
them being children. The Food Bank is always looking
for volunteers to participate in food drives, donating,
or putting food boxes together.
“It’s an easy exercise and a way for groups to get
out and do something meaningful,” Mangapora says.
The Food Bank tries to match a volunteer’s interests
with the organizations needs so it can be an enjoyable
experience. Their largest holiday event is the Food for
Families Food Drive with KBTX on December 7. The
Food Drive has volunteers to run the event; it’s up to
people in the community to bring food donations to
make the event a success.
Food donations can be dropped off at the Food
Bank warehouse, 1514 Shiloh Ave. in Bryan, between
the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Collection barrels are also available at most grocery stores in town. Visit www.bvfb.org for more information on the types of foods most needed.
Independence
Harley-Davidson Toy Drive
Santa might be seen this year wearing a leather jacket
and riding a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle instead of a
sled. Independence Harley-Davidson Toy Drive handdelivers toys to children in need. The group will rev
up their engines with a trailer in tow on December 3.
This will be the 23rd year for the drive and donations
will be accepted beginning in November. In the past,
the trailers have been filled with clothes, toys, beds,
and anything else to provide for eight families in need.
“We focus on the kids, but if there are things the family needs to survive we [will] do that,” says Marketing
Director Heather Beran.
Cash or check donations may be brought to Independence Harley-Davidson at 4101 Texas Hwy 6
in College Station. Checks should be made payable
to Brazos De Dios Foundation. Donations will be accepted until December 3; donations received after the
deadline will be used next year. i
23
24
CoMMuNITYOUTReACH by Margaret Ann Thurmond
ON NOVEMBER 12, the Junior League of Bryan/
College Station will celebrate 30 years of volunteering at their annual Charity Ball. Amid the music, live
band and a return of The Follies will be reflections on
the impact of the League and its service to the community over the past three decades.
“The Junior League is a community service
organization focused on improving the lives of children and youth in Bryan/College Station,” says Lizett
Hawkins, League president. Begun in 1982 as The
Service League with 108 charter members, the group
was admitted to the Association of Junior Leagues International in 1988. Today, 380 active Junior League
members take on a variety of projects each year all
aimed at enriching the lives and education of area
children. Through donations and service, Junior
League has contributed more than $2 million to the
Bryan/College Station area, Hawkins says.
“Just last year we donated 10,000 hours of
trained volunteer hours,” Hawkins says. The League
encourages its members to be service leaders in the
community with projects and fundraisers that reach
out to children in need. The annual Stuff the Bus drive
provides school supplies for 15,000 children each year.
Other events include the annual Charity Ball, Downtown Bryan Fun Run, and the annual Bargain Blitz.
The League partners with other non-profit
organizations each year including the Backpack
Program of the Brazos Valley Food Bank.
The program provides backpacks filled
with nutritious food for children in need
to take home on the weekends when they
don’t have access
t o
school-provided
meals.
The
League also assists
with the Special
Olympics Fall
Classic
with
Junior
League members serving on the
organizing committee, assisting with
events and presenting awards during
the Fall Classic. The League partners
with the Boys & Girls Club of the
Brazos Valley and assists with events such as the Boys
& Girls Club’s Fall Fest as well as their Spring Dance
and Book Up Texas.
Each September, the Junior League hosts a community forum where interested groups can learn
how the League supports organizations with funds
and volunteer service hours. Opportunity Knocks is
another program that enables the Junior League to
respond to a one-time, immediate community need.
This committee provides volunteers and monetary
grants to a wide range of community agencies not already supported by the League’s established projects.
It’s a partnership that has enriched countless
lives, both among Junior League members and the
community members they serve. For women looking
to become more involved in volunteering, the Junior
League encourages new members, holding an orientation each spring where women are invited to learn
about the organization. New members must be sponsored by a Junior League member, and a provisional
membership is served during the first year. Full membership requirements can be reviewed at jlbcs.org. i
30th Celebration ... HAVE A BALL!
Annual Charity Ball november 12
You don’t have to be member of Junior
League to support the organization’s mission of volunteerism on behalf of children. donations and sponsorships of annual Junior League events are welcome.
Those who choose to support the
Junior League by attending the annual
Charity Ball will be rewarded with an
exciting evening of entertainment on november 12 at the College Station Hilton.
“We have an excellent band, The
Wonders, that’s proven to bring down
the house,” says Shannon Madlock, Junior League public relations chair. The
League is also bringing back Follies,
skits performed by well-known community members. Festivities begin at 6:30
p.m. and the evening includes dinner, a
dance, The Follies and an auction.
For sponsorship information, visit
jlbcs.org. For Charity Ball tickets, call
(979) 774-4759 or email [email protected].
Plan Ahead
The Junior League’s Family Fun
Run, held February 11 beginning at
9 a.m., is for runners of all
shapes and sizes. To register, visit www.active.com.
For more information, email
[email protected].
The League’s annual
Bargain Blitz will be held
March 3 and funds raised support Junior League operating
costs while providing gently
used items at bargain prices to
community shoppers. To donate
items or for more information,
visit www.jlbcs.org.
25
26
DoGOOD Story & Photos by Margaret Ann Thurmond
A Kitchen With a Calling
Brenham Restaurant Serves a
Hearty Meal of Hope
HUNGRy DINERS LURED By THE AROMA of
chicken fried chicken or old-fashioned pork chops
into The Cannery Kitchen can be forgiven for thinking they’ve stumbled on just another eatery amid
the many shops and restaurants that call downtown
Brenham home. The difference is this restaurant has
a mission – Faith Mission – and while you’re
feeling satisfied by the
home-style food, you
also can be satisfied that
you’ve helped others feed
themselves.
The
Cannery
Kitchen is just one program of Faith Mission,
established in 1985 by
Bob Barry to fulfill his
vision of helping others
who have experienced
homelessness. Through
the help of the Brenham
Ministerial Association,
Barry created Faith Mission to help the homeless
become self-sustaining,
which in turn betters the
community. “We call it
a hand up, not a hand-
out,” says Deputy Director Randy Wells.
Located in the middle of downtown Brenham,
Faith Mission is positioned to provide easy access for
anyone who needs a helping hand. Other mission services include emergency housing and a health center
in addition to Cannery Kitchen.
The Cannery Kitchen got its name from
an original building on-site that was constructed under the Works Progress Administration as a place where food donated by local
farmers would be canned and distributed to
the poor. The original building, located behind the Kitchen, is in the process of being
turned into an antique store to further fund
the Mission.
A multiuse facility, Cannery Kitchen
serves as a community center, host to the Rotary Club and other events and as the community’s
disaster relief area. Its computer lab allowed staff and
volunteers to help displaced persons register with
FEMA after Hurricane Ike.
Faith Mission’s Health Service Center provides a walk-in service for the uninsured. “It’s there
Executo help people who have no other options,” Execu
tive Director J.D.
Young says. The
WIC
County
Health Department and MAP
are included in
the facility. “It’s
more effective if
we work together,” Young says.
Faith Mission offers several
housing options
for those in need.
Their
shelter
houses 30 to 50
residents
each
night, many single mothers with
children.
The
Mission has eight
apartment units
that have around 80 residents. The units are separated
into men’s and women’s dorms, and offers units for
families. If someone is looking for long-term help,
Faith Mission gives rent and utility assistance.
Faith Mission’s Work Leadership Program allows its residents to become contributing members of
society. The program puts people to work 40 hours
a week for a small stipend, and the mission provides
free room and board. According to Board Member
Tom O’Neill, it builds confidence and allows people
to work their way back into society. “We look for attitude and people [who] try,” Young says.
Volunteering is at the core of Faith Mission,
keeping the mission programs alive. Most volunteers
are put in Higgins Branch, the mission’s thrift store
operation. Other areas require a certain skill set, such
as the Health Service Center. However volunteers and
those in need connect at Faith Mission, the experience
stays with a person even after they leave, becoming a
part of each person’s life.
“We try to build relationships,” Young says. “We
work together every day.”
iF You Go
The Cannery Kitchen is open seven days a week
serving a buffet-style lunch. Prices are $7.97 per person Monday through Friday for all you can eat and
$7.27 for one time through the buffet. Seniors page
$6.77. Prices on Saturday and Sunday are $8.97; $7.97
and $7.47.
For more information about Faith Mission in
Brenham, visit www.FaithMission.us. i
27
ArTSsPOTLIGHT by Megan Roiz
Visit Another World …
Read a Book
Local authors pen a
wide array of titles
by Megan Roiz
The Cloud Roads
by Martha Wells
Night Shade Books, $14.95
FROM A pICTORIAL BOOK that chronicles the history of College Station to a science fiction novel following the hardships of a shapeshifter hiding in a river valley, Brazos Valley is home to successful authors
who have created texts that appeal to an array of reading tastes.
Bryan resident Martha Wells has penned 10 successful fantasy
novels with publishers Tor Books and HarperCollins. Her newest
novel, The Cloud Roads,, is published by Night Shade Books. Wells,
who says her life goal has always been to be a successful writer, is “really happy and grateful to be doing this. It’s not an easy profession to
get into, so I’m very fortunate being where I am.”
As expected, writing a novel is not simple or easy. “For a novel, it
takes me about a year, start to finish, more or less, to complete it,” says
Wells. “As a writer, you have to be persistent and have to come back
to your work every day. You have to go back and keep working on it
even if you get discouraged.”
Aspiring novelists would do well to heed Wells’ advice. Her
most recent novel received a starred review from Publishers Weekly:
“Wells…merrily ignores genre conventions as she spins an exciting adventure around an alien hero who anyone can identify
with.”
28
Wells, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology,
uses her education to fuel the creativity and authenticity in her far-flung words. “It helps me in the fact
that I write fantasy,” she says. “I make up different
worlds and settings, which isn’t an easy thing to do
for everyone. You can’t really do that without knowing how real cities and places and cultures work.”
Many of her works, including a number of short
stories and nonfiction articles, have been published
in eight languages and enjoy a world-wide following.
“I usually do a lot of nonfiction reading to get
inspiration for characters,” Wells says. “For settings,
there is a website called the Atlas Obscura. They have
pictures of different places, strange monuments and
odd landscapes. I usually go there to look at the pictures and gain inspiration for my settings.” Reviews
of her novels often mention that characters are not
only believable but also are relatable. “I think you
have to be a good observer. You have to pay attention
to other people and why they do things, what they
say, how they act. You also have to know yourself.
“Usually, I like to focus on loneliness and
feeling as an outsider. My stories tend to focus on
trying to find your place in a world where you don’t
normally fit,” she says. “The Cloud Roads is a story
about just that.”
Let the Children Come to Me
Bible Stories for Children
by Sharon Burton
Tate Publishing, $8.99
Bryan resident Sharon Burton is the recently published author of Let the Children Come to Me, which
retells many much-loved Bible stories in simpler and
easier to understand ways. In order to explain the stories of the Bible better to younger readers, Burton uses
familiar language and practical illustrations. The history of events, people enacting them and the meaning
behind each story are clarified and emphasized so that
readers of all ages find them accessible.
Be Still … and Know That I am God
by Charles L. Mashburn
$24.95
Be Still…and Know That I am God by Charles L. Mashburn was written to share a life with God through the
eyes of a common man. Inspired by his mother, whose
picture adorns the cover of his book, Mashburn writes
encouraging words to share with others each day of
the year in this book of devotions. The book encourages readers to trust God on a day-to-day basis. “My
intent is to encourage the reader to seek God and the
path He would have them travel, emphasizing that
each of us has a part in God’s greater scheme.”
College Station, Images of America
by Glenn D. Davis
Arcadia Publishing, $21.99
College Station is a pictorial by Glenn D. Davis chronicles the vibrant history of College Station and Texas
A&M University. Davis, who was born in Bryan, uses
archived, historical photos and extended captions in
his book to paint a fresh look at local history through
his own, unique lens. The book introduces first settlers like Harvey Mitchell and traces the development
of Texas’ first land-grant college. i
november 12, award-winning local author
Kathi Appelt will present, “What Makes
Your Characters Tick?” at the Society of
Children’s Book Writers and illustrators
Brazos Valley conference. The conference,
“Connections & Craft
2011,” will
be held from
8 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. at A&M
united Methodist Church,
417 university dr., in
College Station.
Two editors from new York publishing houses, Martha Mihalick of Greenwillow Books and Claudia Gabel of Katherine
Tegan Books, are also part of the conference faculty, along with author-illustrator
Brian Floca and authors doris Fisher and
Molly Blaisdell.
Conference fees are $135 for SCBWi
members and $155 for non-members. A
downloadable registration form is available at http://tinyurl.com/scbwi-bv. For
more information contact Regional Advisor
Liz Mertz [email protected].
Books sales at the conference will include titles by the faculty, their recommendations, and works by SCBWi members
attending the conference.
College Station resident Appelt is the
author of more than 30 books for children
and young adults. Her picture book, Miss
Lady Bird’s Wildflowers: How a First Lady
Changed America (HarperCollins, 2005)
was given the “Growing Good Kids Award
for Excellence in Children’s Literature.”
Reviewers have described her first novel,
The Underneath, a haunting story of love
and survival in the pine forests of East Texas, as a classic. it was named a national
Book Award Finalist, a newbery Honor
Book, and most recently awarded the PEn
uSA Literature for Children Award. Her
newest book is Keeper, published by Atheneum, 2010.
29
buSINESSBRIeFs
Hospice Brazos Valley
(HBV) recently announced the
appointment of dr. Bret Hood
as the Medical director of
the organization. A graduate
of The University of Texas –
Houston Medical school, Dr.
Hood completed his residency
at Hermann-LBJ Community
Medicine Residency Program.
The national Board has certified
him for Certification of Hospice
and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Hood
visits patients wherever they
receive care, providing the full
scope of palliative and hospice
services to assist patients and
families in achieving quality
of life. He also directs hospice
in-patient services in Hospice
Brazos Valley’s new in-patient
facility. Capitalizing on Dr.
Hood’s expertise, Hospice Brazos
Valley will also seek to expand
the organization’s outreach
to the community. Of special
importance is the commitment
to increase palliative and
hospice education for medical
and nursing students. For more
information regarding Dr. Hood
or Hospice Brazos Valley, contact
the Bryan office at (979) 8212266.
Ahmad Kamal Rahman and
the Muslim Community of
Brazos Valley, “Muslims for
Peace,” held a blood drive
called “Muslims for Life” to
honor and commemorate the
victims of 9/11 in recognition
of the tragedy and great loss of
life on that day. It was a great
cause and people from all races,
religions and all walks of life
participated as 36 people came
out to donate blood, a huge
success for the first year. This
national concept will be an
annual event in september in
coming years.
Local attorneys R. Hal Moorman
and Steve Haley of the
Brenham law firm Moorman,
Tate, Urquhart, Haley, Upchurch
& Yates, LLP, have once again
been selected by a vote of
their peers as Texas Super
Lawyers by Texas Monthly
magazine. Moorman and Haley
were identified by a panel of the
state’s top law practitioners as
being among the top five percent
of the attorneys in Texas. each
January, over 57,000 ballots are
mailed to attorneys across Texas
and they are asked to vote for
the best lawyers that they have
personally observed in action.
scores are based on the number
and the type of votes received,
with more weight given to
votes from lawyers from other
firms. Finalists are chosen by
blue ribbon panels comprised of
peers in each area of practice.
Moorman was selected as a
Texas super Lawyer in the area
of estate planning and probate
practice, and Haley was selected
in the area of real estate law.
Mathnasium is a one-of-a-kind
learning center that recently
opened in Bryan. It specializes
in a math-only curriculum that
is tailored specifically to each
child, and employs a variety of
learning modalities to help each
child develop “number Sense.”
Mathnasium is locally owned
and operated by James and
Jennifer Speer. Jennifer speer,
a successful businesswoman
with a strong background in
math, chose to sell her previous
business to open Mathnasium
of Bryan/College station. The
dream that she and James share
is to positively impact society
by improving the education of
children. Mathnasium is located
in Bryan at the kroger’s shopping
Center on Boonville Rd. For more
2 NIGHTS ~ 4 PEOPLE
ALL INCLUSIVE $195!
30
31
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November/December 2011

Transcription

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